Thanksgiving is almost here, a time for family, laughter, and comfort food (and maybe a little chaos in the kitchen). Between hosting guests, cooking marathon meals, and welcoming everyone in from the chilly Durango air, your floors will see a lot of action.
To help your home stay beautiful through it all, we’ve gathered a few simple, expert-approved tips to protect your floors before, during, and after the big feast.
Table of Contents
1. Start With a Clean Slate
Before the guests (and gravy) arrive, give your floors a little pre-holiday love. A quick sweep and mop not only makes your home sparkle, but also removes dirt and grit that can act like sandpaper underfoot when people come and go.
If you have hardwood floors, make sure your mop is just slightly damp — too much water can cause warping. For vinyl or laminate, a pH-neutral cleaner will do the trick without leaving a dull film.
2. Mats: The Unsung Heroes
From muddy boots to snowy shoes, entryways are the front line of defense. Place sturdy, absorbent mats both outside and inside your doors to trap moisture and debris before it reaches your floors.
For hardwood areas, avoid rubber-backed mats that can trap moisture underneath. Instead, use felt- or fabric-backed mats that allow air to circulate. You’ll protect your flooring and your sanity when the first snow hits.
3. Encourage a “Shoes-Off” Zone
Thanksgiving may be all about comfort and connection, but nothing ruins the mood like salt or grit scratching your floors. Consider adopting a “shoes-off” policy this season. Offer cozy slippers or socks for guests to slip into, keeps your floors pristine, and adds a little warmth to your gathering.
4. Guard Against Furniture Scratches
Hosting Thanksgiving dinner usually means moving tables, chairs, or even rearranging your living room for extra seating. Protect your floors with felt pads under all furniture legs.
They’re inexpensive, easy to find, and can make a huge difference in keeping your surfaces smooth and scratch-free , even after a night of family dance parties.
5. Keep an Eye on Spills
Spilled cranberry sauce, turkey drippings, and wine are all part of the Thanksgiving story, but don’t let them become a permanent part of your floor. Wipe up spills quickly to avoid stains or damage, especially on hardwood and natural stone floors.
Keep a soft microfiber towel handy during meal prep or cleanup for a quick rescue mission when (not if) something topples.
6. Add a Layer of Cozy Protection
Thanksgiving is the perfect excuse to roll out those soft seasonal rugs. They add warmth, style, and comfort underfoot, while providing an extra layer of protection in high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and dining spaces.
Just remember to use a rug pad underneath to prevent slipping and to protect your flooring finish.
7. Ready for a Flooring Refresh?
If your floors have seen one too many Thanksgiving dinners, it might be time for an upgrade. At CFS Design Center in Durango, we can help you select the ideal flooring for your lifestyle and space.
- Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) offers the warmth of wood with waterproof durability, perfect for kitchen-heavy households.
- Engineered hardwood brings timeless beauty with extra strength for Colorado’s climate.
- Carpet adds that soft, inviting texture ideal for cozy family spaces.
Whether you’re hosting this year’s feast or planning for next season, our design experts are here to help you find floors you’ll be thankful for year after year.
Let’s Get Your Home Holiday-Ready
Contact us or visit CFS Design Center in Durango to explore samples, get expert advice, and find the right flooring for your home before the holidays hit full swing. Because when your floors look their best, your whole home shines, and that’s something to be thankful for.